Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya (仙台藩白老元陣屋資料館) is a local history museum that houses numerous artifacts from the days of the Sendai Clan in Shiraoi. The museum is located at 681-4 Jinyamachi in the town of Shiraoi in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya |
Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya details
During the Edo period in Japanese history, the Edo Shogunate took necessary precautions to protect the nation from potential invasions. In response to rumors of Russian forces planning an invasion starting from the Ezo Region (now known as Hokkaido), the Edo Shogunate ordered the Sendai domain and six other domains in the Tohoku region to safeguard the area.
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| Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya - Shiraoi town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
The fort in Shiraoi was established by the Sendai domain in 1867, and the subsequent construction of the Shiogama Shrine marked a significant milestone in its defense efforts. Today, the remnants of this historical site offer valuable insights into the defense strategies employed by the Sendai clan.
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| Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya Grounds Guide map |
The Sendai domain's territory extended from Shiraoi to Kunashiri and Etorofu Island. The central administrative headquarters, known as Jinya, functioned as the core of the Debari Jinya spread across various locations. The Sendai domain established a Jinya in Shiraoi, serving as a critical outpost for overseeing the region's defense.
Inside the Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya*
* I posted only a handful of photos of the exhibits and purposely didn't label them so that you would only get a glimpse of what the Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya has to offer. Please visit it and enjoy it with your own eyes.
In the following year, the outbreak of the Boshin War forced the Sendai domain to retreat from Shiraoi and return to their main base in Sendai. The conflict temporarily disrupted the defense efforts in the Shiraoi region, and the government eventually dismantled the fort in 1870.
Shiogama Shrine
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| Shiogama Shrine |
Fast forward to the 1980s, when a renewed interest in preserving historical sites prompted the establishment of the Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya. In 1984, this historical site welcomed visitors who could explore approximately 300 exhibits, including drawings, ancient documents, and weapons related to the Sendai clan's defense during the end of the Edo period.
Shiraoi Sendaihan Jinya Ruin
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| Shiraoi Sendaihan Jinya Ruin |
The museum housed within the former Jinya provides an opportunity to delve into the twelve-year history of the Sendai clan's operations during the late Edo period. By presenting a rich collection of artifacts, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the clan's resilience and strategic prowess in safeguarding the north. Additionally, visitors have the chance to explore the largest Jinya ruins in Hokkaido, which have been designated as a national historic site.
Team Nicerio visits Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya
My family and I first visited Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya last October 9, 2022, during the second day of our “October 8-10” Road Trip. It was my 342nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. During our visit, my daughter and I explored the fortress grounds after learning about the rich history of the region. We wanted to see every corner of the vast domain but it started drizzling just as we were checking out the Shiraoi Sendaihan Jinya Ruin (白老仙台藩陣屋跡). That’s why we decided to cut our exploration short and continue to our next destination which was the city of Noboribetsu.
Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya Fees
Although you can explore the grounds for a fee, you must pay 300 yen per adult and 150 yen per child to enter the museum.
To welcome more visitors, the museum offers free rental of voice guidance terminals that are available in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, and it holds various events.
Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya Operating Hours
Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
The museum is closed every Monday (the next day if Monday is a holiday), year-end, and New Year holidays (December 29th to January 3rd)
Why visit the Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya?
The Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya stands as a testament to the Sendai clan's unwavering dedication to protecting the northern region against potential threats during the Edo period. Through the preservation and subsequent opening of this historical site, visitors can engage with the past, immersing themselves in the rich history of the Sendai domain and the critical role played by the Jinya in maintaining regional security. It’s a place to visit if you love Japanese history.
Getting to Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya
From Sapporo Station, take the Hokuto 10 Limited Express Hakodate on the Hokuto Line and alight at Shiraoi Station.
Upon arrival, walk approximately 11 minutes to reach the Choritsu Byoin Mae bus stop. Board the Social Connection Bus (Gurupon) Hagino/Shidai Service and disembark at the Jinya Shiryo Kan bus stop, located just a few meters away from the Sendai Domain Shiraoi Former Jinya.
Travel time: 1 hour and 42 minutes
Fare: 3,880 yen
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